Tom Ellis has decided not to take up a role in hit ITV period drama Downton Abbey.

Ellis, who plays Miranda Hart’s long-term love interest in her BBC1 sitcom, had been lined up to portray Lady Mary’s new suitor in Downton, according to sources.

But now the actor has revealed that he has opted not to join the Golden Globe-winning drama.

‘OK, so it’s been lovely to hear all the congrats for Downton but the truth is I’m not going to be in it… but thank you for your messages,’ the star tweeted.

Ellis was supposedly in line to play Lady Mary’s love interest (Picture: ITV)

A ITV source had said: ‘It was an absolute no-brainer to get him in for an audition. We know that Tom’s got a lot of other options at the moment but if he does get the role it will be an incredible opportunity for him.

‘A lot of the current cast have become global superstars. And it is always a bit of a coup for us to attract a ­major BBC star to a flagship ITV show like Downton ­Abbey.’